Webinar: Managing Foods and Food Variations
Webinar (May 22, 2025) (conducted by Heather Carey and Tessa Stone).
Questions and Answers from Webinar
What is the benefit of using "Where Used" on an ingredient or prepared food?
The "Where Used" feature allows users to see all recipes that utilize a specific ingredient or prepared food. This is beneficial for understanding how an ingredient is integrated into various recipes, ensuring proper inventory management, and facilitating menu planning. By clicking the gear icon next to the food item on the Foods Listing screen and selecting "Where Used," a pop-up will display a list of all recipes that include that ingredient or prepared food.
Can the variation options be used on Master Recipes, or is this only on My Recipes?
Yes. The food variations are added to many Master Recipes, and you can use them within the Master Recipe without having to save the recipe and take ownership. This should save you quite a bit of time with customizing the recipes to meet your operational needs!
Are variations temporary (i.e. effective from xx date to xx date) or will I need to change the variation back?
No, variations are not temporary and don't automatically revert back to the original ingredient. If you would like to change the ingredient back, you can access the ingredient listing within the recipe and swap it from there. See Recipe Variations: Swapping a Similar Food for an Ingredient in a Master Recipe.
If you save a recipe with variations, can I still use them and edit preparation steps?
Yes. The food variations copy over to the copied recipe. As the owner of the recipe, the account can then select the allowed foods to be in the food variation group and select the preferred (i.e., default) food.
When changing from a 5oz to 4oz chicken breast, wouldn't the portions (servings) change as well?
Yes, when changing the portion size of a recipe, such as adjusting a chicken breast from 5 oz to 4 oz, the total number of servings (yield) will also need to be recalculated. This is because the total ingredient amounts must align with the new portion size to ensure accurate serving sizes. You can use the yield adjustment tool to automatically calculate the new ingredient amounts based on the desired portion size and update the servings accordingly. See Calculating and Entering New Serving Number ("My Recipe" Only).
What does "last reviewed" mean or indicate within the recipe?
The "last reviewed" date within a recipe indicates the most recent date when the recipe was evaluated or updated. This feature allows users to track when a recipe was last checked for accuracy or necessary changes, ensuring that the information remains current and relevant for use in meal planning and preparation.
When adding ingredients, how do we know best practice for the amounts (i.e., oz or cups)?
For best results when adding ingredients to recipes, use industry-standard measurements like those in MealSuite’s scoop scaling settings to ensure consistency. Weighing dry ingredients provides the greatest accuracy—especially in baking—while volume measurements like cups can be used if properly leveled. Always consider the edible portion (EP) and its impact on yield and serving size to maintain recipe balance and meet dietary needs.